NEOM - VAULT

Contract No. 4800000946

Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

Contract No: 1100008185 Main Contract

Neom Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation

HAVS Management Plan

07-186101-1100008185-LAJ-HSE-PLN-0000 Rev-01 Date: - 28-Feb-2024

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 NEOM - VAULT
Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

Document history.

Revision code Description of changes Purpose of issue Date

01 First Submission For Approval 28-Feb-2024

Document approval.

Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Name

Farooq Aziz Mushtaq Ansari Sancek Kurt

Job Title DHSEM OHSM PM

Table of Contents

Contents
1. Purpose.......................................................................................................................................................................4
2. SCOPE........................................................................................................................................................................4
3. DEFINITION.............................................................................................................................................................4
4. References..................................................................................................................................................................4
5. Hand Arm Vibration...................................................................................................................................................4
6. Hand-arm vibration syndrome....................................................................................................................................5
7. LAJV Precautions & Preventive Measures................................................................................................................6
8. Alternative processes to avoid/reduce use of vibrating equipment............................................................................9
9. Campaigns and Special Days Observance:................................................................................................................9

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 NEOM - VAULT
Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

1. Purpose

This HAVS management plan will outline the health hazards and control measures to overcome
HAVS at LAJV sites. This plan will describe all measures and procedures to comply with NEOM
Health & Safety Assurance Standards Section 35 and Sub Section 35.6 and NEOM Minimum
Welfare Requirements and all other applicable international and local laws addressing HAVS.

2. SCOPE
This procedure is applicable to all LAJV sites, installations and personnel, Strict adherence to this
procedure will be expected during all site activities.

3. DEFINITION

HAVS Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

WBV Whole Body Vibration Syndrome
Hypercoagulability Hypercoagulability or thrombophilia is the increased tendency of blood to
thrombose. A normal and healthy response to bleeding for maintaining
hemostasis involves the formation of a stable clot, and the process is called
coagulation.
Buerger Disease Buerger disease is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and
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Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

legs. In Buerger disease — also called thromboangiitis obliterans — blood

vessels become blocked. This reduces blood flow to the affected areas.
Blood clots may form in the blood vessels
Ergonomics The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
Grit Blasting Grit blasting is a technique that creating surface textures by the impact of
hard particles
Carpal tunnel Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the hand and arm, causing
syndrome numbness, tingling, and pain

4. References

NEOM Minimum Welfare Standards NEOM-NDC-STD-001 Rev 01.01, November 2022

NEOM Health & Safety Standards NEOM-NPR-STD-001 Rev 01.00, May 2023
PROJECTS STANDARD OPERATING NEOM-NPR-SOP-003 Rev 02.00, November 2020
PROCEDURE - OCCUPATIONAL
NOISE
Canadian Centre of Occupation Health Guideline for HAVS Control
& Safety

5. Hand Arm Vibration

Definition
Hand-arm vibration occurs when one or both of the upper limbs is in contact with vibrating hand
tools (e.g. hand-held power tools, pneumatic drills, vibrating machines, steering wheel, and levers to
control

vehicles).
Sources
Most common hand-arm vibration sources are vibrating hand tools such as chainsaws, angle
grinders, pedestal grindings, chipping hammers, hand-guided machines, or steering wheels. The
effect of vibration is strengthened by cold temperatures.
Vibration monitoring
Many workers are exposed to occupational vibration daily. Occupational exposure to vibration can
lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Workers who are exposed to occupational noise
should be monitored for signs and symptoms of HAVS.
Vibration white finger
Changes in the human body resulting from contact with mechanical vibrations are recognized as an
occupational disease called “vibration syndrome” (or “vibration disease”). The symptoms of HAVS
include tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness in the hands and fingers. The increased risk of
HAVS can be aggravated by other factors such as exposure to cold temperatures. HAVS is a
progressive condition that can lead to permanent loss of function in the hands and fingers. The only
effective way to avoid vibration disease is by prevention.

6. Hand-arm vibration syndrome

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that can develop from exposure to vibrating
tools and machinery. The condition is characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and
arms. In severe cases, HAVS can lead to permanent damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and joints.
Some of the most common symptoms of HAVS include vibration induced white finger (Raynaud’s
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Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

phenomenon), reduced grip strength and blood flow in one or more fingers, and loss of sensation in
the fingers. The condition is caused by repeated exposure to vibrations, which damages the blood
vessels and nerves in the hands and arms. HAVS is most commonly seen in people who use vibrating
tools regularly, such as jackhammers, power saws, and sanders. The best way to prevent HAVS is to
wear gloves and other protective gear when using vibrating tools. If you think you may have HAVS,
it is important to see a doctor so that you can get treatment and take steps to protect your health.
To reduce exposure risk, employers should provide workers with personal protective equipment,
such as anti-vibration gloves, and educate them on vibration limits. Employers should also
implement engineering controls, to reduce the use of tools that generate too much vibration.
Implementing a job rotation also prevents exceeding vibration limits. By taking these precautions,
employers can help protect workers from hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome Symptoms

Hand-arm vibration syndrome tests

The tests commence with a measure of grip strength and finger dexterity. Neurological tests involve
the determination of vibrotactile perception thresholds (using the Vibrotactile Perception Meter) and
thermotactic perception thresholds for hot and cold (using the Thermal Aesthesiometer). The test
measures the individual’s ability to detect changes in vibration and temperature. The subject’s
threshold is the minimum intensity required to produce a feeling of vibration or heat. A lower
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Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

threshold indicates a more sensitive touch. The test is important in determining whether an individual
has any loss of sensation due to nerve damage. It can also be used to assess the efficacy of treatments
for conditions such as diabetes, which can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the hand and arm, causing numbness, tingling, and
pain. The syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm
to the hand. The syndrome can be caused by repetitive motions of the hand and arm, such as typing
or using a mouse. The syndrome can also be aggravated by hand-arm vibration syndrome, which is
caused by exposure to vibrations from handheld vibrating tools such as power drills. The severe
symptoms condition requires clinical assessment and can be treated with splints or surgery. Carpal
tunnel syndrome can also be prevented by maintaining good blood flow to the hand and arm and
avoiding repetitive motions.

7. LAJV Precautions & Preventive Measures

Following practices and procedures will be adopted by LAJV to counter HAVS at site:
Selection of work equipment:

 Tool selection can make a substantial difference to the vibration level but the
tool must be suitable for the task and used correctly.

 LAJV will demonstrate a sound procurement policy for power tools and hand-
guided machines, showing they have considered the following:
 There is no reasonably practicable alternative method with no (or less) vibration
exposure.
 Equipment is generally suitable for the job (safety, size, power, efficiency,
ergonomics, cost, user acceptability, etc.)
 Reduced vibration designs are selected provided the tools are otherwise suitable
(eg breakers with handle suspension)
 Declared vibration emission is not high compared with competing machines of
similar capacity to do the job.
 Information on likely vibration emission in use (eg from manufacturer, hire
company, databases)
Available information from the manufacturer or elsewhere on control of vibration
risks through:
 maintenance (eg servicing grinders, sharpening drills and chisels)
 selection of consumables (abrasive discs, chisels, drills, etc.)
 correct operation and operator training (see below)
 maximum daily trigger times or maximum daily work done with the tool

Limiting daily exposure time:

Restricting exposure time ("finger-on-trigger" time) may be required to bring exposures

below the ELV, even after all reasonably practicable measures to reduce vibration levels
are in place.

Maximum times can be determined using the exposure points system or supplier's
"traffic lights" tool categories, but these should be derived from sound "real use"
vibration emission values.
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Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

Anti-Vibration Tools

Tools can be designed or mounted in ways that help reduce the vibration level. For
example, using anti-vibration chain saws reduces acceleration levels by a factor of about
10. These types of chain saws must be well maintained. Maintenance must include
periodic replacement of shock absorbers. Some pneumatic tool companies manufacture
anti-vibration tools such as anti-vibration pneumatic chipping hammers, pavement
breakers and vibration-damped pneumatic riveting guns.

Use of Anti Vibration Gloves (Viscoelastic):

Conventional protective gloves (e.g., cotton, leather), commonly used by workers, do not
reduce the vibration that is transferred to workers' hands when they are using vibrating
tools or equipment. Anti-vibration gloves are made using a layer of viscoelastic material.
Actual measurements have shown that such gloves have limited effectiveness. When the
vibration hazard cannot be removed or controlled adequately, Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

such as anti-vibration gloves may be used.

Other Risk Controls:

Control of HAVS risk by means other than reducing vibration exposure:
 Ergonomic aids support weight of tool and reduce forces applied by operator
 Suitable workplace temperature or provision of warm clothing and gloves
 Regular breaks from work involving vibration and encourage operators to exercise fingers

Safe Work Practices

Along with using anti-vibration tools and gloves, workers can reduce the risk of hand-
arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) by following work practices:

 Use a minimum strength hand grip that still allows the safe operation of the tool or
process.
 Wear sufficient clothing, including gloves, to keep warm.
 Avoid continuous exposure by taking rest periods.
 Rest the tool on the work piece whenever practical.
 Do not use faulty tools.
 Maintain tools properly. Tools that are worn, blunt or out of alignment will vibrate
more.
 Consult a doctor at the first sign of vibration disease and ask about the possibility of
changing to a job with less exposure.

Information, instruction, and training:

Employees at risk from vibration should have received information on:

 the risks from HAVS and how to help reduce them

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Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

 arrangements for health surveillance and their duty to cooperate.

Look for evidence that tools are being used correctly, as recommended by the
manufacturer. This may require operators to receive specified training – are operators
and their supervisors aware of the need. Breakers with suspended (sprung) handles
designed to absorb vibration must be used correctly, and with appropriate force, or the
potential reduction in vibration will not be achieved.

Health surveillance:

Required where the EAV is likely to be exceeded. Expect to see, as a minimum:

 use of a periodic health screening questionnaire – ideally annually and for new
employees
 arrangements for referral of relevant cases to an occupational health provider
with HAVS expertise for diagnosis and ongoing monitoring

 arrangements to receive medical advice on management of affected employees

 arrangements for RIDDOR reporting of HAVS cases.
 arrangements to receive anonymized information to demonstrate effectiveness of
controls although this may not be meaningful for casual/short-term workers.
In construction, short-term employment presents difficulties for managing health
surveillance; cooperation between employers should be encouraged.

8. Alternative processes to avoid/reduce use of vibrating

equipment.

In addition to above mentioned measures, following measures will be used to reduce or avoid
Vibrating Equipment:

Activity/Process Alternative Measures

Tunneling by hand with clay spade or jigger pick. Mechanized tunneling methods, to eliminate hand
digging. This is expected for all but the smallest
tunneling jobs.
Breaking concrete, asphalt, etc. with hand-operated Plan construction work (eg casting-in ducts, detail
breakers in ground work, road maintenance, etc. box-outs) to minimize breaking through new
Demolition of concrete/masonry using hand-held concrete/masonry.
hammers/breakers Use alternative method/equipment as appropriate:
machine-mounted hydraulic breakers
floor saws
directional drilling/pipe jacking to avoid trenching
hydraulic crushers
hydraulic busters
diamond core drilling
diamond wire cutting
hydro-demolition (UHP water jetting)
Drilling masonry/concrete using Design and plan to avoid unnecessary drilling. Use,
electric hammer drills or "comb hammers" where appropriate:
jig-mounted drilling
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Contract No. 4800000946
Limak & Al-Ayuni Joint Venture – Neom
Trojena Time Travel Tunnel, Depot & Vault Excavation
HAVS Management Plan

diamond core drilling (clamped in rig)

cast-in anchors and channels for wall fixings instead
of drill-and-fix types
use of direct fastening tools

9. Campaigns and Special Days Observance:

LAJV will observe special days to enhance awareness about HAVS to its workforce and promote
healthy practices to cope bad health effects.
In addition to that LAJV will launch campaigns for the same cause accompanied by training sessions
under the guidance of NEOM and PMC.

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